Brian Windhorst hints at a realistic LeBron James trade if LA struggles early

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst considers a LeBron James trade could become a realistic scenario if Los Angeles Lakers they are stumbling out of the gate this season.

In the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, Windhorst talked about uncertainty surround the Lakers and the potential implications of an early season slump. James, sidelined with a sciatic injury, is expected to miss the start of his 23rd NBA season as Los Angeles prepares for regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors next week.

“LeBron didn’t back down on those comments,” Windhorst said, referring to remarks made earlier this year about James’ future with the organization. “Now I think there’s a chance Luca is going to get off to a great start and as far as I know he’s going to shoot Deandre Ayton.”

Windhorst went on to outline possible scenarios that could determine the team’s approach to James’ future.

“When LeBron comes back maybe the Lakers are 12-4 or something like that or 10-3 and things are going well and you’ll never think about it,” he continued. “But you know if they’re not doing well after 25 games, and the thing about the Lakers is important to understand, I think they have seven or eight guys who are free agents after this season.”

Bryan Windhorst points to uncertain Lakers future with LeBron James’ status

The veteran insider noted that the Lakers’ current roster lacks long-term security and that few players besides Luka Doncic are guaranteed after this season.

“So there’s nothing valuable on this list,” Windhorst said. “Even LeBron, yeah, they don’t want to go at it that way, they want him to go out with LeBron, drop the mic or whatever, but I’m just saying that LeBron didn’t back down on those comments that Rich Paul made. And I’m sure they put some thought into those comments before they were made about what the future holds.”

James, 40, has yet to make a public statement clarifying his long-term plans. Earlier this summer, his agent Rich Paul said that James’ future will depend on how the Lakers approach the upcoming seasons and their level of competitiveness. The recent restructuring of the team around Doncic, DeAndre Ayton and Austin Reaves marked a new chapter for the franchise following the departure of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks last February.

Windhorst’s remarks underscore the uncertainty the Lakers face as they balance James’ recovery, roster turnover and championship ambitions. With James expected to be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, the Lakers will rely on Doncic and Reaves to carry the offensive load early in the season.

The Lakers finished 50-32 last season, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Entering the 2025-26 campaign, expectations remain high, though Windhorst’s comments underscore a growing sense that early struggles could force the front office to consider tough options.

Los Angeles opens the season Oct. 21 at home against the Warriors.